My Work Experience Week - Olivia

Monday

My first step into the vibrant office space may have been a quiet one! However, it felt homely and instantly put my nerves at ease, I couldn’t wait to get started.

I was greeted by Amy at the door, who gave me a tour around the office. She showed me the kitchen where they each have a mug with their face on in bright colours. The office also included a pool, table tennis and darts board and bean bags!

I was then introduced to Ellen where she told me all about her role in the Growth team and then was able to shadow her before being set a task to complete. The task was to look into a client's competitors and research the type of social media platform they use and the most successful content they post. 

I met with Sophie, a former MGGS student (which is my current school!) and was able to shadow her for a while - before diving into (and completing) a research task for a blog she is currently working on.

I was also lucky enough to sit in with two meetings. One was an account catchup with the Growth team where I was able to meet the rest of the team which was really nice and they were all so welcoming. I found it really interesting to be able to listen and get an understanding of what they all get to do and what goes on. The other meeting was a client meeting, I was a bit nervous sitting in, however, I was able to get a feeling of what a real client meeting was and what goes on within the meeting.

Tuesday

I was welcomed by the office dog, Harry, who wanted cuddles the whole time! I got straight into work with Erin who works in internal social and media marketing for Reflect Digital. I really enjoyed shadowing Erin and being shown everything about the agency's social media platforms and everything that is a part of marketing. This was my favourite part as the past few years I have really gotten into the social media side and internal marketing. I was then set a task where I had to look into lots of secondary schools and colleges to find the details of the head of sixth forms so they could be emailed about an invitation to Aspirational Digital.

In the afternoon I met with Dani who taught me everything about SEO and content. It was a bit confusing at first however Dani explained SEO by step how everything worked - which was really helpful. I found this part scary but I enjoyed it and found it fascinating using keywords and you are able to see how often people search it up.

We looked at competitor analysis and creating content and how to use keyword tools. I was amazed how you are able to find a competitor through keywords that they share. It was something I didn’t think I would enjoy as much but I was wrong! The task I had to complete for Dani was writing this blog. I am not the best at writing however I think I have found a new passion for writing blogs, I prefer the creative sides of things. 

I was very lucky to have a chance to talk with the founder of Reflect, Becky Simms. She explained more about the agency and how it all started and their journey to now. She also expressed how the agency is like a family and the 3 values they have: We are Family, Going for Gold, Love our Craft.

How has my time been at Reflect Digital

I have had the best time at Reflect Digital and I wish I was staying longer to enhance my skills in digital marketing. I have learnt so much and am so thankful for everyone that I shadowed and the whole agency. I felt welcomed and at home throughout the two days and will miss working with everyone.

My journey has been nothing short of transformative. Through shadowing, tasks and the exposure to the industry, I have gained a deeper understanding of Digital marketing. For a while, I have been interested in digital marketing and thinking of pursuing it post-18. Now that I have had the chance to work with Reflect it has confirmed that this is something I really want to do as a career and has made me excited for what's to come.  

For anyone aspiring to gain work experience in digital marketing, Reflect Digital undoubtedly stands as a model of excellence.

Tips to get work experience within digital marketing from a 16 year old

I was lucky enough to attend an event Reflect Digital has every year for sixth form and college students. If I don’t attend then I wouldn’t have found out about the agency and would’ve missed out on this opportunity. So attend any events that your school may offer.  

1. Research, Research, Research: start researching companies that align with your interests and find if they offer work experience or internships.
2. Reach out: talk to family, friends, relatives and even teachers. Talk to your career advisor in school if you don;t know where to start or need help. Attend career fairs, workshops and events, anything your school may offer and learn more about what you enjoy. 
3. Use online platforms: LinkedIn and Indeed are great places to start looking for work experience for any job, not just digital marketing. They are easily accessible for everyone and I recommend year 12s to set up logins as you are able to research a variety of companies and can also contact them.

Benefits of work experience

Doing work experience is the best thing a year 12 student can do. It opens up your eyes to the real world of working and helps you find things you enjoy or may not enjoy. It’s important to complete work experiences when you are younger as you get an understanding of what the industry is like and if it is something you actually enjoy. There are lots of benefits:

1. Discovering Your Passion: work experience gives you the opportunity to explore different industries and roles, helping you discover what truly excites and motivates you. You’ll gain valuable insights into what you enjoy doing and what career path might be the right fit for you.
2. Building Essential Skills: from communication and teamwork to time management and problem-solving, work experience equips you with a range of essential skills that are valuable in any professional setting.
3. Gaining Confidence: stepping out of your comfort zone and taking on new challenges can be intimidating, but it’s also incredibly empowering. It helps boost your confidence as you tackle tasks, interact with colleagues, and overcome obstacles. 
4. Enhancing Your Resume: one of the practical aspects of it looks great on your resume! Whether you’re applying to uni, apprenticeships, or entering the job market, having relevant work experience demonstrates your initiative, responsibility, and commitment. It sets you apart from other candidates and gives you a competitive edge. 
5. Preparing for the Future: whether you’re heading to uni, entering the workforce, or pursuing other paths, the skills, knowledge, and insights gained from work experience will serve as a solid foundation for whatever lies ahead. You’ll enter the next phase of your life with a clearer sense of direction and a stronger sense of self.